BSc (Honours) Business and ICT
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time
UCAS code • NJ19
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Computing
Related subjects • Business and management
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Our Digital Design Centre can print medium to large format high quality outputs on a range of different media. The laboratories have software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications. Find out more.
One of the most valuable resources available for you to access is our highly experienced technical support team. Find out how they can help support your development.
At a glance
Study for a career managing technology projects for business, on one of the courses most highly recommended by students in the University. As well as giving you a solid background in the commercial applications of technology, the course emphasises the importance of good general business skills giving you a broad choice of careers following graduation. You can enhance your career prospects further with a year in industry, earning up to £22,000.
Key points
• Consistently high National Student Survey satisfaction ratings.
• Gain general management and business skills as well as ICT for career flexibility.
• Vocational focus, with class leading employability levels.
• Earn up to £22,000 on a placement in industry.
What is business and information and communication technology?
Technological developments in information and communication technology (ICT) dominate today’s business environment. This course ensures that when you enter the business environment you are equipped with the skills to become a high performing graduate in the workplace.
This course
Gain the right mix of skills to become an IT-literate manager on this award-winning course. It teaches you the skills and knowledge to identify, design, build and manage the technological solutions that help to drive modern businesses forward.
You study current technologies and their commercial applications to develop a good understanding of them. Through study and practical project work, you also gain the skills to manage new technology, using it to solve business issues and create new opportunities.
In addition to these technically focused skills, you develop the knowledge and skills expected of a general business and management graduate. This gives you the option to work in business areas such as marketing, human resources, public relations and accountancy.
Once you’re highly trained in these areas, you can learn to apply your studies in the workplace on a paid placement with organisations, such as IBM, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Xerox. These placements are a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and new skills, and they may lead to a job after graduation. You can also earn up to £22,000.
As a student, you study on an award-winning and highly recommended course. Staff on the course recently received a student-nominated Inspirational Teaching Award. In 2012 the course was rated top in the University by students and recently top in the country for this subject area, according to the National Student Survey.
You also benefit from our ‘Working with Business’ programme, the Venture Matrix that recently won the National Enterprise Educators Award.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing high quality skills that can be taken into the workplace. We ensure that you develop teamwork and leadership skills, time management, project management and understand how to succeed in your career. You also have a personal tutor that helps develop you and give you guidance throughout your degree.
Key areas of study
Key areas of study include • general business and management • technology and its commercial implications • innovation and design • knowledge of setting up a small business.
In 2012, this course scored 100% overall satisfaction in National Student Survey.
Find out more about BSc (Honours) Business and ICT
Related courses
You apply for this course through UCAS.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
• examinations • coursework • group work • practical work
Find out about work placements and how we can support your placement experience.
Optional year-long work placements are normally gained by competitive interview and are not a guaranteed part of a course.
This course gives you an understanding of the strategic importance of information communication technology to business.
Key Information Set 
Cantor Lecture Theatre
The Cantor lecture theatre opened in 2008 in the state-of-the-art Cantor Building.
Dr Rod Apps
Principal lecturer
I teach on the BA Business Studies, BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management courses.
After completing degrees in economics, I undertook research and teaching in economics at the Universities of Durham and Manchester. Since joining Sheffield Hallam, I have emphasised teaching in the areas of business strategy and financial services. I teach on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and additionally supervise dissertations on many of these courses.
Most of my career has been within academic institutions, including periods in Switzerland and (more recently) in China. My research interests are in the areas of the strategy formation processes within organisations, and the development of the fund management industry.
Steve Brierley
Senior lecturer and first year tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
I teach on the information systems and ICT infrastructure modules.
I graduated from Sheffield University in electronic engineering in 1970 then took a Masters course in control systems. Following this, I worked in the steel industry for 26 years, and then ended up as the IT manager for the Stainless Division before leaving in 2000. I have extensive experience in management and technology.
I joined Sheffield Hallam in 2001 as an associate lecturer, and latterly as a full-time lecturer. My areas of expertise are knowledge management, business applications architecture, data modelling, information systems, online learning and database design.
Lynne Dawson
Senior lecturer
I have a BSc Mathematics with Computing from the University of Bath (1989), a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Warwick (2005) and am a Chartered Mathematician with the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.
I teach on the BSc Computing and BSc IT Management routes. I have worked at Sheffield Hallam for ten years and teach across all undergraduate levels. My main area of expertise is IT service management (based around the ITIL Framework), and I am certified in ITIL at Foundation and Intermediate level. I also teach topics such as computer technology, and architectures for enterprise applications, as well as being the co-ordinator for final year projects.
My industrial experience includes working as a front-line IT support analyst for a variety of financial institutions in the City of London, and as an IT consultant, specialising in designing and implementing highly available IT solutions for clients such as Vodafone, Transco (British Gas), Telewest, Walkers Crisps, and local governments.
Dr Peter O’Neill
Associate lecturer and acting module leader for programming for computing
I joined Sheffield Hallam University in 2008 as an associate lecturer in Visual Basic to first year undergraduates. In 2009 I extended my role and became the acting module leader for programming for computing, as well as supervising undergraduates with their final year BSc projects and postgraduates with their MSc projects.
In addition, I work at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield and I also run my own company called Madhouse Software Productions Ltd, developing software applications in the domain of electronic assistive technology (EAT), for the elderly and disabled, the research areas I obtained my PhD.
Prior to the above employment, I worked for the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, undertaking research in the enhancement of the prescription of integrated EAT (IEAT). For example, communication aids (speaking on behalf of the users), environmental controls (turning the television, lights etc., on and off in the users home) and mobility (driving an electric wheelchair), all of which were controlled by a single personal computer. During this time I also lectured at Barnsley College, teaching students to program in C / C++.
My main area of interest and focus is single switch-based EAT) That is the creation of software applications, to improve the prescription of assistive technology (AT) and the use of these technologies, to enhance the user's quality of life.
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
I teach on five modules - computer technology for business; ICT infrastructure, information systems, information systems methods and organisations, and web-based information systems.
My academic background is in physics and computing. I mainly worked in the area of information systems for the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and Eire in roles covering the whole of the software development life cycle. The NHS is a rich, complex and interesting domain which is often underestimated by suppliers of information systems.
For the last ten years or so I have been teaching mostly undergraduates at Sheffield Hallam, on courses covering information systems, analysis and design, computing fundamentals, and communications in a business and organisational context.
I hope that the internet and other emerging technologies may be used to promote an inclusive and healthy society.
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
I teach on five modules - computer technology for business; ICT infrastructure, information systems, information systems methods and organisations, and web-based information systems.
My academic background is in physics and computing. I mainly worked in the area of information systems for the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and Eire in roles covering the whole of the software development life cycle. The NHS is a rich, complex and interesting domain which is often underestimated by suppliers of information systems.
For the last ten years or so I have been teaching mostly undergraduates at Sheffield Hallam, on courses covering information systems, analysis and design, computing fundamentals, and communications in a business and organisational context.
I hope that the internet and other emerging technologies may be used to promote an inclusive and healthy society.
Dr Andrew Hirst
Senior lecturer in enterprise and business development
I teach on three modules - new venture creation, managing a growing business, and supporting entrepreneurial ventures (taken by BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students).
I gained a PhD from Loughborough University in marketing research. I specialised in multivariate data analysis which include techniques such as conjoint analysis, regression/discriminant analysis, factor/cluster analysis and was a post-doctoral researcher in relationship management and new product development.
My academic career has so far resulted in publications in prestigious marketing journals and conference proceedings, such as European Journal of Marketing, Marketing Letters and the proceedings of the European Marketing Academy. I have practical research experience in marketing research and this work included focus group, interviews, data analysis, eye tracking studies, location planning and forecasting.
I also have a blue chip career background working at companies such as British Aerospace, Experian, Tesco, Gala Group, IDmagasin and Business Link. I have worked with over 200 SMEs and been a consultant to a range of market sectors that involved project working for Coca Cola, Warburton's, KwikSave, TSB, Orange Telecomms, and major banks.
Sue Marriott
Principal lecturer, strategy and enterprise
I teach on the BA Business Studies, BA Business Studies and Enterprise Management, BSc Business, ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management courses.
Before joining Sheffield Hallam in 2002, I worked in a number of private and public sector organisations. Originally a civil servant in the Department of Employment, I worked on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme and on Business Growth Training Programmes monitoring the progress of small businesses. I then joined a private sector organisation that offered training for start-up businesses and also engaged in consultancy work in the public and private sectors.
Returning to the public sector in 1993, I worked for Sheffield Training and Enterprise Council managing their development team. This involved designing, piloting, and securing funding for a range of initiatives designed to encourage • enterprise in small businesses, and • individuals to engage in lifelong learning. From there I moved to Business Link South Yorkshire, developing a range of services for business start-ups.
My current interests are still firmly in the enterprise field, mainly focused on individual and organisational competitiveness, but I also have an interest in business ethics.
Kiefer Lee
Principal lecturer in marketing
I teach on the marketing planning and management module taken by final year BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
I specialise in strategic marketing management, developing market innovations, international/global marketing and strategic alliances. I am currently programme leader for the undergraduate business and management courses. I am also an elected member of the Faculty Academic Board and the Academic Development Committee at the Business School.
As a practitioner, I am a professionally accredited Chartered Marketer, having spent a number of years in project management and business development roles in the healthcare sector, managing international marketing activities for a number of small and medium-sized companies. I am highly committed to publishing and disseminating good practice. I am the lead author of 'Global Marketing Management: Changes, New Challenges and Strategies' published by the Oxford University Press.
I am passionate about learning, teaching and assessment (LTA). I am particularly encouraged by the prospect of taking leadership and making contribution to enhancing LTA, enthusing and motivating others to do the same. I am highly committed to the development and delivery of innovative learning experiences that truly engage students in the process of constructing their own knowledge. I see this as a valuable opportunity to be exposed to the latest thinking in LTA development, and to engage in research-led reflection.
Dr Jacob Habgood
Senior Lecturer in Games Development
My background is in the games industry working as a programmer and project-manager for Gremlin, Infogrames and Sumo-Digital over a period of 14 years. During this time I worked on over a dozen published games for the PlayStation 1 and 2, XBox, Gamecube and DS.
I teach mainly on the third and fourth years of the game software development degrees in game-specific subjects relating to 3D graphics programming and console game development (all using C++). I'm also the author of a series of books on hobbyist game development using Game Maker, which I use in my teaching to explore game design concepts.
I am studio manager of the Steel Minions Game Studio based in Sheffield Hallam's Science Park. The studio is an official PlayStation minis developer and provides a commercially licensed environment in which students can bring games to market through the PlayStation Network (PSN). The studio currently has a couple of PSP titles in development, including a reworking of the classic 90's game Zool, which was originally created in Sheffield.
I have a PhD in game-based-learning and I conduct research into the effective integration of digital games and learning content. This research was originally presented at the International Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and has recently been published in the Journal of the Learning Sciences. I have also written various articles for Gamasutra and Develop magazine.
Dr Paul Parry
Subject group leader in business computing
Until very recently I was the postgraduate study area leader in the area of art, design, media and computer games where I was responsible for the strategic planning of postgraduate courses, quality and procedures, resourcing and operational issues. As such I have been instrumental in setting up many of the links between the PG and UG Game Software Development courses.
I deliver core teaching on the games courses in the areas of programming and games, including C++ programming, project management, DirectX and 3D graphics. In my teaching I have promoted the collaboration of students from the disciplines of games programming and digital animation, allowing them to work together on shared projects in an attempt to mirror the way the game industry works.
I have developed working relationships with computer games companies such as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Sumo, as well as with the regional computer games company's trade association, Game Republic.
Alongside my teaching and course management responsibilities, I continue to conduct research in the area of computer graphics and software requirements engineering. I have published and presented several refereed conference and journal papers.
Anita Whitworth
Portfolio manager for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management
I am a non-teaching member of staff whose role is to support students in their studies. I have worked at the University for several years supporting students on computing and business and enterprise courses.
After gaining a degree in American studies/history I moved into the travel industry where she gained managerial experience before moving to Sheffield Hallam University in 2004. I have since gained a Masters degree in history from Sheffield Hallam.
My work interests lie in looking at ways of making students' experience at Sheffield Hallam as positive and enjoyable as possible. In order to facilitate this I have undergone training in counselling, coaching and mentoring and helping students with learning difficulties, particularly Aspergers syndrome.
Dr Peter Collingwood
Subject group leader in software engineering, graphics and multimedia
I have had a long academic career at Sheffield Hallam University, during which I have used my background in mathematics and control theory to underpin my lecturing and research activities in the areas of distributed computer systems and the behaviour of multiprocessor systems, mobile robotics, intelligent agents and genetic programming.
My main teaching input on the course is on programming (especially scripting languages such ActionScript and Python) and the technology of distributed systems for online gaming.
I currently occupy a senior role in the academic structures within the faculty of ACES, being the subject leader for the software engineering, graphics and multimedia group.
I was engaged as an external examiner for games courses at the University of Lincoln (Computing & Games related BSc/BA modules) and the University of Teeside (MSc/MA Games & Animation) and have also acted as an external moderator for the BSc/MComp in Computer Games Production at the University of Lincoln, and BSc in Games Application Development at the University of Abertay.
Peter Mulvihill
Senior lecturer
I teach on the managing business finance and supporting entrepreneurial ventures modules taken by BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
After studying for a BA (Hons) in Business Studies at Nottingham Trent, I went on to work in accounting in industry for around five years. I then spent nearly three years as a professional drummer. After this, I returned to study a PGCE in Business and Finance at the Bolton Institute of Higher Education. I then went on to work in further education for the next six years.
I came to Sheffield Hallam in 1990 as a senior lecturer, teaching various accounting modules on professional, degree and higher national courses. I am currently the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course leader.
My area of expertise is financial accounting, with a particular interest in small businesses. Although I have been involved in some research during my academic career, I am principally a lecturer and teacher.
Fiona Hollis
Senior lecturer in management strategy
I teach on six modules - understanding organisations, managing resources, strategic planning, organisation management, work-based learning, and management project.
I originally studied French and Spanish at Sheffield University, and after gaining a Diploma in Education, taught for several years in secondary schools. In 1990, I studied here at Sheffield Hallam and was awarded a Certificate in Management.
I started lecturing at Sheffield Hallam in 1991 and am a member of the strategy group. I am currently module leader for the Level 4 module understanding organisations taken by first year BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
Pascale Vacher
Course leader for BSc/MComp Games Software Development
My interest and expertise lie in the field of programming, including object oriented design as well as implementation and programming for games. I specialise in teaching programming, especially C++ and DirectX, to students on all years of the game software development and software engineering courses, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
As the course leader for the game software development undergraduate degrees, I am the main academic contact for students on these courses. I am involved in teaching students from their first week, to the day they graduate and mentor them throughout the course. Whenever possible I aim to facilitate communication between groups of students across years and related courses and between students and staff teaching on the course.
I organise extra curriculum events such as industrial visits, student competitions and professional training courses, including Games Republic, Creative Spark and ADOBE ACA certifications courses (Flash, Dreamweaver). I coordinate activities related to the organisation, development and accreditation of these courses and have successfully led the validation (and subsequent revalidation) of these two courses.
Bob Steele
Principal Lecturer
I have a long teaching and research career at Sheffield Hallam, working in the areas of concurrent processes, human computer interaction, multi-media systems and, more latterly, interaction design in computer games.
Together with Paul Parry, I have led the development of the MSc Game Software Development courses and has taken an active role in establishing working relationships with games companies and the regional trade association, Game Republic. I took the lead in the creation of the Academic Game Network as an academic arm of Game Republic, with the aim of creating more formal academic/company relationships in the region. I also developed the initial proposal for a national accreditation scheme for computer games courses and undertook the research and development work on behalf of Skillset for the creation of the accreditation criteria.
I have acted as external academic adviser on validation panels for computer games courses at several UK Universities, including Abertay, Portsmouth, Coventry, UCLAN and Hull. I am an external examiner at the Universities of Coventry and Lancaster.
In 2010 I instigated the proposal for the creation of the Steel Minions studio and negotiated with the University on its establishment.
I continue to deliver teaching in the areas of interaction design and approaches to games design. I have a particular interest in the development of innovation in teaching involving getting programming and arts students to collaborate on joint project work.
Dr Simon Clark
Head of Business and Enterprise Group
I teach on the BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management courses.
After studying for a BSc at Reading University, I worked for several years as a product manager for a research company specialising in the development of communication technologies. I subsequently studied for a PhD at Cardiff University and then went on to be a research fellow at Barcelona University.
I came to Sheffield Hallam in 1994 as a senior and later principal lecturer. I currently lead the business and enterprise group.
My areas of expertise lie in the fundamental principles that underpin ICT and its strategic application to business, combined with the development of enterprise teaching and learning (see http://venturematrix.shu.ac.uk/). My research interests lie in nanotechnology, focused on developing the next generation of satellite, mobile communication and display systems.
I have authored over 60 research articles, supervised many PhD students and carried out research with a number of European universities, and telecoms, communications and automotive organisations in Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and China.
Dr Adrian Oram
Senior lecturer in software engineering
I have a long and varied academic career in which I have studied in the fields of computing and civil engineering.
In computing I have been an active researcher in the areas of parallel and concurrent processing and held the post of Deputy Director of the National Transputer Centre, which was based at the University of Sheffield. My current research activities focus on grammatical inference techniques as applied in civil engineering.
I have more than 16 years lecturing experience in higher education across a range of computing and engineering areas and now concentrate on teaching computer and games console architectures and assembly level languages to games students at under and postgraduate levels.
In the game software development courses I lead the teaching of programming low level architecture and take main responsibility, along with Jake Habgood, Paul Parry and Pete Collingwood and for utilising the faculty's specialist PS2, GameCube, PSP and PS3 development console kits in their teaching.
Paul Henderson
Senior lecturer
My main teaching areas are project management, system design, and database implementation (Microsoft Access)
I teach preparatory year, first year and second year students, both foundation degree and named degree. I am interested in the analysis and design processes that lead to database implementation and am keen to show students the usefulness of Microsoft Access.
I worked for many years in various roles in the computer industry and try to use that experience in my teaching, where appropriate.
Dr John Bunning
Principal lecturer and placement tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
After studying for a BSc at King's College, University of London, I obtained a teaching qualification and then worked in a secondary school for three years, before studying for a PhD at Leeds University. Following this, I worked as a post-doctoral research assistant at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, and after a short spell of teaching in further education, obtained a lecturing post at Nottingham Trent Polytechnic.
I came to Sheffield Hallam in 1989 and have been involved with degrees in the business and enterprise area for many years, particularly teaching the practical elements of the courses, along with year tutor duties, overseeing placement selection and visiting students on their industrial placements. In addition to these activities, I am the quality enhancement coordinator for the Department of Computing.
My areas of expertise lie in physics education and materials teaching. Research interests are in the field of liquid crystals, particularly their structural and physical properties. I have carried out research resulting in many publications and supervised and examined PhD students in this subject area over many years.
Mike Heselton
Senior lecturer and admissions tutor
Mike is a senior lecturer in information systems, and is also an admissions tutor.
Mike joined Sheffield Hallam University in 2003 and has worked on final year undergraduate modules of the business information systems (BIS) degree and postgraduate modules in IT project management.
His specialist area is project management and he spent 13 years as a senior project manager in large organisations such as British Steel, Cap Gemini and Royal Mail. The bulk of his time was spent managing large, complex projects that were often multinational and with multi-million pound budgets.
Outside the University Mike sits on the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) panel for IT project management and is also an examiner for project management on the British Computer Society's Professional Diploma. As an approved membership assessor he is involved in process of awarding CITP recognition to those applying to become chartered IT practitioners.
Mike is passionate about the role of BIS in preparing young people for careers as managers within the IT departments of large organisations. He has led a programme of promoting BIS to schools and colleges and works with employers to help shape improvements to the BIS degree.
Ann Norton
Subject leader, strategic management
I teach on the BA Business Studies, BSc Business and ICT and BSc IT with Business Studies courses.
The first part of my career was spent working for a major UK bank, primarily in the area of marketing. After 11 years in banking I moved on to work for a research and consultancy company, undertaking research for European financial service institutions.
In 1992 I joined Sheffield Hallam as a senior lecturer and course leader for the MBA Financial Services, and later as programme leader for the European MBA. I became a principal lecturer in 2002, taking on the role of subject leader for the strategic management subject group. My teaching is primarily in the field of strategic management, organisational change and strategic human resource management, delivering on postgraduate, undergraduate and professional programmes.
My expertise and research interest is in the contribution and relationship of human resources (HR) strategy with business strategy, and the impact on organisational performance. I have co-authored a number of text books on organisations and management, and have undertaken consultancy work on the design and implementation of HR strategy, policies and practices, both for blue chip companies and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In addition to my University roles, I work for a number of professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the Charted Institute of Bankers, the Institute of Directors and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
Nick Williams
Senior lecturer in enterprise and strategic management
I teach on the supporting entrepreneurial ventures module taken by BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
Before joining Sheffield Hallam University I worked as a researcher, completing research and evaluation projects for central, regional and local government bodies as well as the private sector. My work included evaluations of enterprise policy (including cultural aspects such as enterprise education), business support and cluster strategy.
My interests are in entrepreneurship, competition and economic development. I am currently working on a number of research projects, mainly related to entrepreneurship in uncompetitive regions and in deprived urban neighbourhoods.
Profiles
Dr Rod Apps
Principal lecturer
Steve Brierley
Senior lecturer and first year tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
Lynne Dawson
Senior lecturer
Dr Peter O’Neill
Associate lecturer and acting module leader for programming for computing
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
Dr Andrew Hirst
Senior lecturer in enterprise and business development
Sue Marriott
Principal lecturer, strategy and enterprise
Kiefer Lee
Principal lecturer in marketing
Dr Jacob Habgood
Senior Lecturer in Games Development
Dr Paul Parry
Subject group leader in business computing
Anita Whitworth
Portfolio manager for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management
Dr Peter Collingwood
Subject group leader in software engineering, graphics and multimedia
Peter Mulvihill
Senior lecturer
Fiona Hollis
Senior lecturer in management strategy
Pascale Vacher
Course leader for BSc/MComp Games Software Development
Bob Steele
Principal Lecturer
Dr Simon Clark
Head of Business and Enterprise Group
Dr Adrian Oram
Senior lecturer in software engineering
Paul Henderson
Senior lecturer
Dr John Bunning
Principal lecturer and placement tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
Mike Heselton
Senior lecturer and admissions tutor
Ann Norton
Subject leader, strategic management
Nick Williams
Senior lecturer in enterprise and strategic management
Laura Foulkes
BSc (Hons) Business and ICT, third year
'I chose to come to Sheffield Hallam mainly because the course provides a placement year which I felt was critical to my future career. Gaining practical experience in a business is invaluable and gives me an edge to other students who may not have had the option to do a placement.
'I felt at home as soon as I arrived here, it is very much a student orientated city with a great nightlife for students throughout the week. Meadowhall shopping centre is just a train journey away and the vibe of the city in term time is fantastic!
'I chose to do business and ICT for a few reasons, the course itself is driven to making us as students more employable, which I feel is essential especially in the economic climate. All the modules are relevant to us extending our knowledge.
'This year I have been on placement with IBM. We had placement students from IBM come along and talk to us about the placement scheme and why we should apply for the company. It was that presentation that made me go home and apply that same day!
'I had to relocate from Sheffield to Portsmouth which is a six hour train journey, so it was a big change for me. Moving so far away on my own has been one of the hardest things I have ever done and it has changed me completely, but that is a good thing.
'A placement year completely changes your mind set on business and what real responsibilities in a big company are like. I feel even after seven months I have become even more focused on my career and what I want to achieve.
'Although moving away has been really difficult I would strongly urge anyone to do it as you learn so much about yourself and how you cope under pressure. A placement year is a fantastic experience and the chance to do something completely different as you know it will be only for a year!
Michael Taylor
BSc (Hons) Business and ICT graduate
'My experience at Sheffield Hallam University was excellent – and was by far the best decision I have ever made. The University develops students on all levels, and there is a real sense of community throughout the campus. The teaching staff are all extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and the facilities are of first-class quality.
'I chose my course because it integrated Business and ICT, alongside having an entrepreneurship focus. The course was extremely attractive in terms of course content, as well as having a strong focus on making its students as employable as possible.
'The course’s entrepreneurial focus has been my favourite aspect. It helped me to think more innovatively, as well as develop ‘soft skills’ such as working as part of a team. To develop this further, I also led a team of five by participating in the IBM Universities Business Challenge. Our team unfortunately did not win the challenge – though we did benefit massively from the experience.
'A key highlight of my experiences at Sheffield Hallam University was my participation in the Venture Matrix program. This allowed us to create a real-life business with other members on our course, and trade within a safe business environment. I learnt a great deal from this experience, and enhanced my ability work as part of a team, organisational skills, and time management and presentation capabilities. The Venture Matrix initiative provides a unique opportunity for students to practice their business skills, and was an extremely enjoyable module of the entrepreneurial element of the Business and ICT course.
'The Placement Office provides excellent support to students that are looking for industrial placement or graduate jobs. They run workshops such as ‘how to succeed at interviews’ and ‘improving presentation skills’.
'The experience gained through the course led me to my graduate job. I was offered a permanent position at Xerox Corporation – the company that I completed a 12-month placement with during my third year of the course.
'University has been full of amazing experiences and I feel that I have developed massively as an individual. Learning to live away from home is both a challenging and exciting element of University. I have made many new friends, and have enjoyed the independence of University and managing my own time.'
Profiles
Laura Foulkes
BSc (Hons) Business and ICT, third year
Michael Taylor
BSc (Hons) Business and ICT graduate
The Digital Design Centre
The Digital Design Centre comprises a suite of 6 IT laboratories (4 PC and 2 MAC) together with the Print Output room, an area for printing medium to large format high quality output on a range of different media. The laboratories have a wide range of software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications.
The Digital Design Centre runs a high quality computer printing facility and has the ability to print sizes between A4 and A0 and wide format banners. A3, A2, A1, A0 and Banner photo quality printing is available on a range of papers, as well as AutoCAD type plans ( B & W ) on standard paper.
Technical support team
While you will find excellent facilities throughout, the most valuable resource you will have at your disposal is access to our extremely dedicated, highly experienced technical staff.
All the staff are there to support you during your time in the workshops. The technical team with its professionally qualified staff and practicing professionals, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all areas of our provision and comprises engineers, designers, silversmiths and jewellers, fine artists, media arts specialists and IT experts.
The team are committed to using their diverse range of skills and knowledge to support practical aspects of your
course work, whether solving a simple software problem, producing a complex engineering project or creating design work for an international exhibition. There are currently 50 technical staff directly supporting the Technical Resource Centres and the research institutes of the faculty.
